For my Pocket Rocket Hamish. She knows why


'I wrote to you.'

'Yes.'

'I don't know if I said too much, or not enough.'

'You said…what was necessary. And I'm coming back to Poplar.'

'When?'

'Today. There are procedures to be gone through.'

'But it'll be months before you're fully fit! You need to rest, and to convalesce.'

'I've had enough rest to kill a mule. And I know my own mind for the first time in many months which I find remarkably invigorating. I'm on my way to catch the bus.'

'You are not travelling 30 miles by public transport! Sister Bernadette-'

'Forgive me. But I don't answer to that name anymore.'

'What do you answer to then? Forgive me for being so forward it's just-I want to know everything about you.' He sighed heavily. This was such a delicate situation-one wrong word and the slim chance he had of having everything he had dreamed of for the past several months could fall apart in an instant.

'I want to know you completely too. But I feel that is a detail best provided face to face.' After so many months of not seeing him at all she was so close to facing him as she had never done before, seeing him in a way she hadn't before allowed herself to. It was terrifying. What if he didn't like what he saw now that she was free from the confines of her habit? What if he only liked black hair? Her hair could be many colours given the light but black was the only one she couldn't manage.

'I understand. Sister, which I call you only in the absense of an actual name, please do not get on the bus. You're immune system is still weakened and there is no guessing how many germs you could come into contact with on it.'

'Okay. That make sense.'

'If you are willing to wait I will come and pick you up in my car.' He offered carefully, aware that he could scare her off with such a proposition. Being alone with him in a car 30 miles from home whilst she was…whatever she currently was might be daunting. He hoped she knew he would never do anything to compromise her. Then again after he had kissed her hand at the fete, a liberty he had no right to, she may not know that.

'Oh I couldn't put you to that Doctor.'

'Please. I want to do this. I need to do this. I had to diagnose you and drive you to there and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my professional life. Let me be the one to bring you home healthily again.'

'Alright.' She smiled as she took in the almost romantic notion. 'I will wait. But what about your patients? And isn't it half term-doesn't that mean Timothy is with you?'

'I more than trust the nurses here to handle anything that crops up. And I can find someone to take Tim for a bit I'm sure. Perhaps Sister Julie-'

'No.' He almost jumped at the uncharacteristic harshness of her exclamation.

'I'm sorry?' She gulped.

'Sister Julienne and the rest of Nonnatus House think I'm going to Chichester to think my future over. That I am still undecided about what I want and who I want to be. Who God wants me to be. Honestly I only agreed to it because Sister Julienne looked so sad. I knew though. Deep down I had already decided. I want to tell them face to face about my decision. If you told them you were coming to bring me ho-back to Poplar then they would be confused.' She caught her slip. He wasn't taking her home anymore. Not for certain at least. Her entire life was up in the air at the moment. Sister Julienne could welcome her back with arms wide open or send her packing in disgrace. Worst of all she could through her out with indifference, at least hate came from caring.

'I understand. Don't you worry, I'll sort something. So what exactly, if it wouldn't be too much for me to ask, is your decision? Exactly?' He didn't want to presume anything and stick his foot in it.

'I'm leaving the Order. I'm not going to be a nun anymore.' It felt strange saying out loud for the very first time. She had hinted towards her potential decision with Sister Julienne and made a garbled half attempt at gesturing to several speechless nurses and fellow patients her decision but never before had she said it so clearly and decisively.

'Right. Wow.'

'I feel this conversation is once more veering into territory that would be best covered face to face.' She smiled. Oh they had so much discuss.

'Indeed. Will you be alright to wait there? They won't throw you out now they've discharder you will they?'

'It'll be fine I'm sure.'

'Good. We'll I'd best sort out the boy. I'll be there as fast as I can.' He promised.

'Thank you.'

'No. Thank you. Bye Sis-'

'Doctor wait!' She cried out.

'Yes?'

'I…I'm looking forward..to seeing you again. I've missed you.' She croaked out timidly, a shy smile of joy ghosting across her face.

'I missed you too.'

'See you soon then.'

'See you soon.' As both put down the phone neither could quite believe what had just transpired and what was about to happen.


Probably just a two chapter thing but you know how I get

Reviews appreciated xxx